Rwanda National Police (RNP) has hailed members of the public for helping arrest three suspected robbers.

The appreciation follows a Friday night robbery in Nyabisindu, Remera Sector in Gasabo District.

Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Celestin Twahirwa, said four men armed with an AK47 rifle raided a bar in Migina where they stole several items including a television set and about Rwf45,000 on a gun point.

He identified  the suspects as Gerald Mbanzamihigo who was armed with the gun, Onesphore Mugabarigira, Murinzi Gasore and a certain Pare who is still on the run.

"The suspects raided the bar at around 2:00 am but neighbors and local night patrols intervened immediately as they suspects to flee from the scene apprehending Mbanzamihigo and Mugabarigira,” ACP Twahirwa said.

"Gasore was arrested hours later while Pare is still on the run”.

"As members of night patrols tussled with Mbanzamihigo in attempt to disarm him; a bullet was discharged in the process but Police arrived at the scene immediately.”

Police also impounded a Toyota Carina bearing number plates RAC 659V that the suspects used in the attempted robbery. 

The suspects are currently held at Remera Police station as investigations continue.

"Local night patrols and Community Policing Committee are very instrumental in crime prevention. In this particular case, they managed to intercept the thieves held them and alerted police,” said the Police Spokesperson.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Mbanzamihigo was a deserter and that investigations continue to establish the origin of the gun.

"The public is vibrantly involved in crime prevention through reporting offenders to security organs; this is due to strong partnership with all categories of people, including night patrols, Community Policing Committees, the youth volunteers, the business community, opinion and local leaders. Where there is partnership criminals are weakened and this is evident in many cases where residents work with the police to detect, prevent crimes and arrest suspected criminals,” ACP Twahirwa said.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw